House Finance Committee lays over health-affordability fee bill as session ends

The House Finance Committee voted to lay over House Bill 12 97 until 05/08/2025 after sponsors said the bill would require more time than remains in the legislative session to complete the process. Representative Hartzook moved to lay the bill over and Representative McGrath seconded; the motion passed 12 to 1.

Supporters told the committee the bill would maintain funding for the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise and the state's reinsurance program, preserving lower premiums and reduced out-of-pocket costs for many Coloradans. "This legislation would ensure that many Coloradans would continue to have access to affordable health insurance coverage that saves them money on their monthly premiums and out of pocket costs," Representative Gilchrist said during the meeting.

Sponsor and co-sponsor statements described the measure as a fee increase meant to shore up program funding amid federal uncertainty. Representative Brown said the bill "adds money to the reinsurance program" and pushed back on media coverage that, in his view, had mischaracterized the bill. "This bill does not steal money from the reinsurance program. It adds money to the reinsurance program and if we do not pass this bill, the reinsurance program will be underfunded," Brown said, adding that the program saved Coloradans an estimated $49.3 million in 2025 and that, without action, the program would be roughly $18 million short in 2025.

Committee members and sponsors pointed to estimates presented during prior testimony that more than 60,000 people could lose coverage if enhanced federal subsidies lapse, and that premiums on the individual market could rise substantially: committee discussion cited an average statewide increase of about $6,000 per year for a family of four and noted higher increases in parts of the state, up to $10,000–$13,000 in some areas.

The committee chair told members the calendar, not the bill's merits, dictated the outcome: with Senate deadlines looming, there was not enough time for the bill to reach and clear the other chamber even if it passed the House on third reading the next day. Representative Hartzook moved to lay the bill over until May 8, 2025; Representative McGrath seconded the motion. Miss Shipley called the roll; the chair announced the motion passed 12 to 1.

Sponsors asked members for an "I" vote on the bill if it returns, and committee members thanked staff and the sponsors for their work. The committee took no further action on the bill at this meeting.